The 60-year-old spun out during his professional auto racing debut at the popular Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 5, 2024.
Fans have urged “John Wick” star Keanu Reeves to take better care of himself after he spun out into the grass more than halfway into the 45-minute race.
A fan comments on Keanu Reeves spinning out during his motor speedway race debut, from a Facebook post dated October 5, 2024 | Source: Facebook/ABCNews
Reeves was competing in the Toyota GR Cup at Indianapolis, a spec-racing series held as part of the Indy 8-hour sports car event. During his race debut, the movie star qualified 31st out of 35 cars, climbed as high as 21st, and skillfully dodged a crash on the first lap in Turn 14.
He ultimately finished in 25th place, but not without an occurrence. Keanu Reeves’ incident occurred when he was exiting turn 9, and luckily, he didn’t collide. He also re-entered the race and continued driving, letting others know he was uninjured.
Keanu Reeves at People Magazine’s presentation of The PEOPLE Pole Award at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in California, on April 16, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
The concern was palpable, as a fan exclaimed, “Hope he is ok,” and another reflected on the intensity of the moment, writing, “I bet that was a heart pounding moment!!! Glad he’s okay.”
Keanu Reeves during the race day of the Liqui Moly Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland at Sachsenring Circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany, on July 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans rallied behind the actor’s safety, with someone declaring, “He must be protected at all cost! Who let him race cars lol. Thankful he is ok.” Others were more anxious, with one exclaiming, “No! It’s too dangerous. We can’t lose him 😭,” and another repeating, “Noooo we must protect him at all costs.”
Keanu Reeves at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in California, on April 16, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Others admired his adventurous spirit, with a fan pointing out, “The man is 60 years old, he’s been an actor all of his life, he is doing this for the thrill of it and for himself, what I think he did was awesome, and I am happy for him.” One fan brought humor to the mix, noting, “He’s a little pink around the edges too!”
Keanu Reeves test-rides his Arch Motorcycle during the Suzuka 8 Hours at the Suzuka Circuit Japan, on July 25, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Reeves had another race scheduled for October 6, 2024, continuing his thrilling experience on the track. He was driving the No. 92 BRZRKR car, promoting his novel “The Book of Elsewhere.”
Keanu Reeves takes part at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester, England, on June 24, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Before the Toyota GR Cup, an excited Reeves announced in a short clip on Instagram, “Hi, I am Keanu Reeves and I just want to say thank you and my appreciation for the opportunity to race in the Toyota GR Cup at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”
When asked about his passion for racing, the “Matrix” star kept his response simple, expressing his joy in the sport. “I don’t know, it’s fun. Racing is fun. It’s fun. Everyone says it’s fun and it’s fun,” Reeves shared with a smile.
The actor is no stranger to racing, having previously competed in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach celebrity race, where he won in 2009.
Keanu Reeves wins the celebrity race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in California, on April 18, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Reeves has also dabbled in motorcycle racing and participated in the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2016. He shared that his love for motorcycles was sparked by a motorcycle gang that used to ride in his hometown during summer.
To his young eyes, they resembled pirates, and since he’d always wanted to be a pirate, he took up riding. In 1987, he got his first bike, an 850 Norton Commando, and in 2016, he still had the bike.
Keanu Reeves is seen during the opening ceremony of the Suzuka 8 Hours at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, on July 26, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Alongside his racing commitments, Reeves is also scheduled to attend a 30th-anniversary screening of “Speed” in Los Angeles on October 8, 2024, where he’ll reunite with his co-star, Sandra Bullock.
